Dr Ackland is Deputy Head (Academic) of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Deputy Director of the ARC Centre for Medical Implant Technologies, and head of the Biomechanics Research group in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, the University of Melbourne. He holds a BSc (Neuroscience), BE (Mechanical), and PhD degrees from the University of Melbourne.
Dr Ackland's research focuses on computational modelling and experimentation in human movement biomechanics, with a particular emphasis on upper limb orthopaedics and maxillofacial surgery. His research group employs medical imaging, human motion experiments, musculoskeletal modelling, and in vitro biomechanical experiments in the evaluation of muscle and joint function. Dr Ackland has a particular interest in design and evaluation of implantable devices for the treatment of end-stage bone and joint conditions. Dr Ackland’s was involved in the design of Australia’s first customised jaw-joint replacement prosthesis, which has restored jaw function in over 100 Australians suffering debilitating pain and deformities of the jaw associated with congenital and degenerative abnormalities, as well as trauma and cancer. This prosthesis has resulted in a spin-off company dedicated to design and manufacture of personalised implantable maxillofacial devices (OMX Solution Pty Ltd).Dr Ackland has attracted $7M in research funds from the ARC, NHMRC, government and industry. He works with orthopaedic industry, including multi-national companies such as Lima, Smith & Nephew and Zimmer-Biomet. His collaborations also include Epworth Healthcare, St Vincent’s Hospital, the Avenue Private Hospital, Royal Melbourne Hospital, as well as CSIRO and the Defence Science and Technology Group. His international collaborators include researchers from Stuttgart University (Germany), ETH Zurich (Switzerland), and Auckland Bioengineering Institute (Auckland). Dr Ackland is the treasurer of the Australian and New Zealand Orthopaedic Research Society (ANZORS), and a member of the Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA).
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David Ackland's highlights
FEATURED Journal article
Static optimization underestimates antagonist muscle activity at the glenohumeral joint: A musculoskeletal modeling study.
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Projects
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Project Types
7
Research Grant
4
Internal Research Grant
3
Research Contracts
Scholarly Works
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News
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Honours, Awards and Fellowships
Most Commendable Paper in an International Journal, Bending strength and stiffness of Canine cadaver spines after fixation of a lumbar spinal fracture
Best paper award, Relationship between knee confidence and physical function in people with knee OA after ACLR
Fresch Scientist Award (2010)
‘Speak Out for Engineering’ (Australian final)
‘Speak Out for Engineering’ (Victorian final)
James Herbert Mirams Memorial Scholarship
Credentials
Positions
Associate Professor
Biomedical Engineering
Affiliate Membership
Australian Orthopaedic Association
Member
Australian and New Zealand Orthopaedic Research Society
Member
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Member
Royal Society of Victoria
Education
Associate Diploma of Musical Performance, Australia
University of Melbourne
Graduate Certificate of University Teaching
University of Melbourne
Doctor of Philosophy
University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Engineering
University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Science
University of Melbourne